What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abiotic
Example
The abiotic factors of the desert include high temperatures and low rainfall. [abiotic: adjective]
Example
Abiotic processes like erosion and weathering shape the landscape over time. [abiotic: adjective]
inorganic
Example
Diamonds are an example of an inorganic substance. [inorganic: adjective]
Example
Inorganic fertilizers are made from synthetic compounds rather than organic matter. [inorganic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inorganic is more commonly used than abiotic in everyday language. Inorganic is a broader term that covers a wider range of contexts, while abiotic is more specific to ecological and environmental contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abiotic and inorganic?
Both abiotic and inorganic are technical terms used in scientific contexts, and are therefore more formal than everyday language.
